"Uncovering the Hidden Addictions" by Dr. Kirk Christie, Consultant Psychiatrist

Introduction

Consider this, If you were asked to think about what someone with an underlying addiction may look like, the image you find yourself conjuring up, may closely resemble a largely produced stereotype forged by popular television and cinema. In some instances, one may envision the teenage population, where experimentation with a surprisingly wide variety of drugs and alcohol is seemingly rationalized as rite of passage. Conversely, there are many stories and images of celebrities (athletes, actors, musicians and social media influencers) whose lives were cut short by harmful addictions and fatal drug overdoses.

Mainstream and social media profile stories of the pervasiveness of the opioid crisis, sharing the tragedies that are happening in many countries and communities, as fentanyl-laced pills are traded on the street. Legalization, has opened up new difficulties related to the accessibility and normalization of drug use, that is still being worked through, after decriminalization. Furthermore, alcohol continues to be one of the most frequently abused and easily accessed addictive substance.

Beyond the multiple stories focused on drug and alcohol addiction, there is an undercurrent quietly growing in frequency and severity. It pertains to hidden addictions and its phenomenon is happening to people who do not necessarily fit the moulds that have been casted for addiction. The reality is that anyone can become addicted such as community leaders, healthcare workers, retirees, friends, neighbours, coworkers and employees.

In many instances these individuals do not fit into the stereotypical portrait of an addict. As personal, societal and professional challenges rise, many individuals may find themselves demonstrating addictive characteristics tied to several addiction types, including substances and behavioural disorders. Often behavioural addictions remain unknown or hidden as they typically do not receive the same profile as substance addiction.

What is an Addiction?

Addictions are repeated behaviours that give someone feelings of fulfillment, but over time have negative consequences for the person's mind, body and overall well-being. They are difficult to control and are often associated with excess. Addiction is both psychological and behavioural. Further, addictions are characterized by cravings, compulsions and an inability to stop using addictive substances, whereas behavioural addictions are those not involving substances.

Over time, the gratification usually associated with the addiction might level off and the addicted person may try to figure out new behaviours to achieve a higher level of fulfillment, all while attempting to avoid negative results. Through the process of developing an addiction over time, the behaviours will likely become the central focus of the person's existence.

Sometimes, hidden addictions are not as obvious and it takes more effort to understand what has transpired and why someone is experiencing the related symptoms.

What are the types of addictions persons can have?

1. Substance Addictions: (that is, alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, cocaine, nicotine/tobacco, prescription drugs, opioid drugs, narcotic drugs; other stimulant drugs, hallucinogens)

   
   

2. Behavioural Addictions: (that is, Eating Disorders, Technology or Internet and Video games addiction, gambling addiction, working/workaholic, sex addictions, shopping, physical attractiveness-focused and or cosmetic surgery; risky behaviours and/or thrill seeking/adventure seeking)

While there is a tendency to naturally associate drugs and alcohol with severe addictions, a scan of these categories shown above, reveals that there are many unique challenges associated with behavioural addictions. Surprisingly, some of the language used to describe people's behaviours can diminish the severe nature of addiction itself.

For example, you might hear someone speaking of their "shopping addiction" almost playfully in a social setting as they attempt to make a self-depracating statement. In some instances, persons may use humour to divert attention from, or to mask the feelings of the shame associated with their addiction or might not be aware of their addiction. It's important to note, that the use of humour in these scenarios does not mean that a person automatically has an addiction.

Why do persons hide their addictions?

A person can use conditioned responses and coping mechanisms to hide their addiction/s. There are many reasons why people hide their addictive behaviours, especially when they have reached a point where they feel out of control and these include:

• Fear of losing their jobs: all employess regardless of their position but especially those persons with safety sensitive roles or those entrusted with social responsibility of public-facing positions, face the daunting prospect of revealing their addiction/s.

  
  

• Potential Embarassment or Shame: an addicted employee whose addiction is revealed could experience immense embarrassment and may face judgment and or personal bias from their peers and or by their community. Take notice, that employee confidentiality remains a primary focus when a person is approached for support and is referred for mental health assistance.

  
  

• Potential impact and effects on relationships: the longer the process of developing an addiction takes, the more it negatively impacts relationships with friends, family and co-workers Other family members, friends and co-workers, may notice that the addicted person, withdraws from social interactions or simple interactions.

  Additionally, the high stress levels encountered in the addiction state and secrecy of the addiction behaviours, results in the addict reacting sparingly with their immediate relatives and or spouse or romantic partner. Additionally, the severity of the drug addiction leads to absenteeism at work and underproductivity of the addicted person in the work environment.

  
  

What are some indicators to watch for that might reveal hidden addictions?

Hidden addictions are sometimes difficult to recognize. Often, when the condition is revealed the family, friends and co-workers of the addicted person, wonders how they could have missed the red flag warning signs of the underlying addictiotn (compulsive behaviours, loss of functioning in life arenas). A simple fact is that addiction may not be clear cut especially if the addicted person/s intends to keep it a secret or is genuinely unaware that they may have an addiction problem.

While you should pay attention to all behavioural changes, here are four (4) indicators that you may be able to observe in the workplace that could help to reveal hidden addictions:

1. Abseenteism: delcine in attendance from work, employee serially arriving late to work, prolonged or frequent breaks during the work-day without a reasonable explanation

   
   

2. Excuses: person offering elaborate excuses for non-completion of projects; underproductive at work or "presenteeism" (present at work with very little work being completed)

   
   

3. Irresponsibility and recklessness: person making careless mistakes at work which are resulting in serious consequences at work

   
   

4. Lack of Limitations/filter in social settings: difficulty self-regulating at work in a team situation and in a social setting, which are not typical of the person's pre-morbid functioning

What can you do if you suspect that someone you know has an addiction?

As an employer, speak with the person about changes in his or her behaviour, that you and others have noticed, that are negatively affecting the business/organization. Having a conversation about changes in the worker's behaviours is a good starting point. Approach the employee in an empathic manner.

As a person who maybe suffering with an addiction, speak with your company's EAP/Employee Assistance Programme for a referral to mental health services/behavioural health services or access available mental health services/behavioural health services in the community.

Do not suffer in silence, mental health services are available to you both in public and private practice.

If you require any further information on this topic or to schedule an upcoming appointment, do not hesitate to contact me at <info@kirkchristie.com> or 242-327-8719